Rumplestiltskin prequel~

I do not own Jareth, the Labyrinth or any of its characters

I think it was Deer-Shifter who asked for this one - all yours.


"You're joking."

"Of course I'm not, see for yourself, it's exactly as I say."

Jareth exercised his patience. Once Arianna had been pleasing to him, he had taken her as a lover thinking that they might form a union one day, but time had undone that attraction. Now he tolerated her, and only because his mother thought that it was important to uphold the connection between families.

"Even as jokes go this is childish, not just love but love with a human?" he drawled.

"It's as I say," she insisted, "See for yourself."

He did her the courtesy of not voicing the first biting reply which came to mind.

Patience.

"You know just as well as I do that we do not look into our own futures. There's precious little to entertain us as it is, longevity has made our lives stagnant."

"They're not stagnant!" she squealed. "What more could you possibly want? You're from a high ranking family and you've come well into your powers. You are sought for conversation and wisdom, are invited to every function, no matter how grand, and can boast unequalled beauty and attraction among companions."

"Yes," he agreed, "and so it has been for what… eons? Perpetual perfection to some, but there is no challenge, no change… I'm bored." He knew Arianna might still be too young to understand the tedium of eternity, but he was not.

She shot him a venomous look, hearing only personal insult. "Bored? You're bored?" she spat. "Well, sorry that I'm not interesting enough to hold your attention. Luckily you've got this human whimsy in your future to spice things up."

"Enough," he muttered, grinding his teeth, "this is tiresome."

"Fine," she said, raising her head nonchalantly. "If you won't look then I'll show you."

With the flick of her wrist she conjured a crystal from the air, a showy trick she knew he liked to employ, and held it up in front of him. He was framing another pithy reply when his eyes caught the image reflected in the sphere.

A girl with dark hair and dark eyes looked out at him. There was a daring in those eyes, softened by a shadow of thick, sweeping lashes. Her mouth pouted stubbornly, as if irritated that he was denying their supposed future connection. She was just a child though, aglow with the light that all those in the mortal realm possessed, burning bright and short with their lives brevity.

He broke her gaze to turn back to his companion. "This proves what exactly?"

"That's her!" she exclaimed. "Can't you tell that you love her now that you've seen her?"

"Hardly," he answered with an acid tone. "Pretty… by mortal standards, but I can't say it was love at first sight, no. Are you really so surprised? It's a well-known fact that the fae are incapable of love."

She gave him a mulish look. "There are plenty of stories from old times involving fae love, we've just forgotten how to, that's all. Besides, I know what I saw." She chewed her lip thoughtfully. "I don't care if you don't believe me, I don't need you to, if you don't move to avoid the future then you'll see it for yourself soon enough."

Huffily, she pulled her cloak from the hook by the door and tugged it on. She gave him a reproachful look as she fiddled with the clasp. "I'm not staying tonight; I tried to tell you but you didn't believe me, it's your problem now." With that she vanished, slipping through space to leave him alone in his chamber. She left the crystal with the image of the girl behind.

Jareth picked it up casually, tossing it from hand to hand. What a fine joke indeed, falling in love with a human. Not only were the stories of love amongst the fae a ridiculous fantasy but they were also a human concept, his race had long viewed mortals as little more than play things. No magic to speak of, too short a lifespan to obtain any real knowledge, and homely things to look at. There were a multitude of other realms out there which could at least equal their own, if not better it, why make up a story involving a mortal? The whole idea was so far-fetched and unbelievable he couldn't even credit Arianna's imagination for the prank, but at least it had been a worthwhile distraction, despite the annoyance.

So what was her game? A trick to get him to look into his own future, perhaps? Not very subtle in its delivery, he certainly couldn't stomach the idea of a union to someone whose scheming was quite so obvious; he wanted eternity to hold some interest. Dancing the crystal across the back of his hand he watched the maiden inside with a bemused smile. Whoever she was she certainly had an excellent scowl, it was hard not to be envious of mortals for that one thing, the depth of their emotions.

He placed the crystal delicately on his nightstand as he readied himself for bed. He'd be sleeping alone tonight, but it was of little consequence, he had tired of Arianna long ago. He would speak to his mother about her intentions for them tomorrow, honour be damned, he could no longer keep up this pretence, not even for the sake of her ambition.


"Absolutely not," his mother declared coolly, glaring at him. "There has been an understanding between yourself and Arianna for some time now, her father sits on the High Council. This match is made, do you really think to undo all my hard work?"

"Mother," he entreated, "there is no understanding between us; it's been nothing more than a game."

"She thinks of it as more than that."

"You don't know that."

"I do," his mother warned, "she has told you her name."

"Yet I never told her mine," he shot back. "If there is an understanding it is a misunderstanding. Since I can't lie I'm not going to try to lie to myself. I tried to make this work for you, but my endurance is at its limit."

His mother took a step back and observed him quietly for a moment. When she approached again she delicately took his face in her hand, studying him. "Is this about the human girl?"

Jareth laughed, he couldn't help it. The conversation was exasperating enough without adding the element of ridicule. He knew that he would regret his entertainment, especially since his mother was being quiet and sedate, a sure sign that she was actually on the edge of fury. How had that mockery of that rumour already found her ear? How tedious his people were in their intrigue.

"You think this is a fine joke? Will you tie yourself to a being so low that they are beneath our notice?" she grated.

"Something here is certainly a fine joke," he drawled. "Have you lost your wits to believe such blather?"

"This was no idle gossip I overheard," she growled. "Arianna herself told me what she saw in your future."

"She was mistaken."

"She cannot lie."

"I did not say she lied," he snarled, "I said she was mistaken."

"Then what about me?" she yelled. "Was I mistaken too?"

Jareth was taken aback by her impassioned reply. It was not anger in her voice, but fear. His mother was never afraid; she was the matriarch of the family and had cowed his father long ago. The woman played her games so deeply it gave him the shivers, she was a force of nature… and she was afraid.

He looked to her now for the first time in as long as he could remember, not as an empress of cunning, but his parent. "What?"

She shook her head as she turned away from him, bringing a hand up to her face and taking a shuddering sigh. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, and that, too, was foreign.

"What did you say?" he rasped.

"I looked," she wailed. "I thought to laugh at the silly creature that had brought me such ill tidings. Now you laugh as if it is some grand joke. I saw her, this human girl; we must take measures to alter your future."

Jareth's head spun. The human girl again… the one Arianna had suggested he might love? He had no idea what love was, none of his people did, how could he possibly fall in love with anyone? His mother had seen it, seen this future. How could that be possible?

"You must be mistaken," he whispered.

"How many of us need to see it for you to accept it as truth?"

"But… it's impossible. Perhaps it is merely a well-played game of seduction; you've misunderstood and added emotion where there is none. It's understandable that since love a foreign concept you might-"

"Stop," she commanded, "just stop." She looked very tired. "Do you think I haven't puzzled out every avenue of this? I know what I saw and I know what it is, even if I don't understand it. If you cannot admit to it then you must take a look for yourself."

Jareth felt his panic rising. Look into his future? He couldn't bear the thought of it, knowing everything which was to come for the next millennia. This couldn't be possible though, there was no way he could possibly fall in love. Now he must move to avoid something which was clearly an impossible circumstance?

Wait…

He paused thoughtfully. His mother knew how he dreaded the thought of looking into his own future, and this was his mother… a queen of manipulation.

His mother had said she'd seen this human girl, so had Arianna… but neither of them had specifically said they had seen her in his future, not in so many words. They had spoken very carefully, if he considered everything they had said, could it not have been crafted to hide a lie?

Suddenly it was obvious to him. His mother knew he would never look into his own future. All she needed to do was suggest he change his future path…

It's a trap.

He could see the influence behind it all now, his mother conniving to force the union between himself and Arianna. Arianna's father was head of the High Council, and a position on the council had long been coveted by her. They need only claim that he had some dire consequence in his future and promote the change to avoid it through his union with Arianna… oh, very clever indeed. He glared at his mother now, eyes shrewd.

"No," he spat coldly, irate in his understanding. "I don't need to look at anything. Some madness has washed over all of you; either that or you seek to play a game with your own son. You will not force me into a union with Arianna no matter what tricks you use."

"I'm not-"

He silenced her with a deadly glare. "To be a part of your machinations is familiar to me, but to have you attempt to deceive me, and with such a ridiculous story, is entirely new. I know I've been little more than a pawn to you for many years now, but I will not move in the direction you dictate any longer. Whatever agreement you have with her father, break it; I will have no further part in this."

He watched his mother's mouth tighten so severely he thought to hear her jaw crack under the pressure.

"I could make you obey me," she warned quietly.

He smiled. "What will you do mother, threaten me? Take some privilege away? Do as you will. Perhaps it will act as an amusement to actually have to make some effort in this life of overindulgence and excess."

Her eyes glittered darkly and her face became cold. "I could use your name."

"Yes," he agreed with an equally malicious smile. "If you remembered it you could, but we both know that's an idle threat which I'll call your bluff on. I've been very careful in watching it drop from your vocabulary over the years; you haven't used it in centuries. I'm confident that it slipped from your memory long ago."

As he turned on his heel to leave the room, happy to make the overture of a dramatic exit rather than the instant magic shift, he stopped only once to speak again.

"Break the agreement with Arianna's father, immediately. No games of yours will make me change my mind."

With that he marched out of his family's home, knowing it would take far more than his displeasure to curb his mother's scheming.

Scheming which he was sure had finally come to a head when he was summoned before the High Council several days later.

As he stood before the entrance of the hearing chamber he paused, he could hear a buzz of voices within, not just the council but an audience. Frowning, he took a steadying breath and lifted the handle of the door.

"Jareth."

His insides jumped at the sound of his own name, it had been many years since he had heard it spoken aloud. Although it had been whispered the impact of it was so great it was as if someone had shouted it from across the room. Still feeling jittery, he turned to see his childhood teacher gesturing to him from just outside the doorway.

The man was the smartest Jareth had ever met, the very thing which had gained him the title of 'wise man' amongst his peers, but he was an odd sight to see on this side of the entrance. He had been Jareth's personal tutor when he was only a child, but had taught him for far longer through the years of their acquaintance. Curious, Jareth looked to the door before him, thinking of the room beyond where this man should be taking his council seat now, and then he turned aside to follow the old man out of the building.

"Kael," he whispered as he approached, remembering his name. They were not friends, the fae did not have such things, but their relationship was as close as they could come to such ideals. He was fond of the man, he trusted his wisdom, and they had traded names to keep confidence between them long ago. Apparently neither of them had yet forgotten. "I thought you'd be inside?"

"I should be," his teacher agreed, brushing silver aged hair from his face.

"What are you doing out here?"

"I came to warn you."

"About this witch-hunt?"

The elderly fae smiled grimly. "Just so, but I don't think you completely understand what's happening," he explained.

Jareth laughed sharply. "I know that my mother is behind this, and my lover. I'm sure she's spun her ridiculous story to the High Council with the intention of forcing my hand into making a pledge, all so she can gain power with them. They're not fools though; they'll see through the scheme, the story is complete madness."

Kael let out an aggrieved sigh. "Then I was right, you don't understand."

Jareth cocked an eyebrow curiously, wondering what he could possibly mean. "What are you talking about, what is it? Is there more to this?"

The old man gave him a long, searching look before coming to a decision. Jareth could see from the determined lines in his face that he wouldn't enjoy the explanation.

"I don't know about your mother's role in this. In general, of course, I understand that she is a force to be reckoned with, but I'm not sure that she is involved with this matter."

Jareth frowned, wondering how his mother had fooled Kael also. Of course she was behind this, who else could it be? Arianna? He simply couldn't credit her with the intelligence.

"It is a mad story," Kael continued, carefully. "Ridiculous even, and a complete anathema to the high council… it's also all true."

Jareth stood for a moment, totally at a loss, wondering if he'd managed to mishear the old man. "What?"

"The story is true."

"You're lying."

"You know that's impossible."

"So is this absurd story," Jareth yelled. "Besides," he paused, realising he'd been deceived again. "I think we both know that it's not impossible if you phrase it just so. My mother has coached you very well." He could feel a cold fury burning in his veins. "On that note, what exactly has she promised you for duping me in this way?" he growled. "Have you told her my name as well?"

He felt singularly betrayed. This was the only man he'd ever placed trust in, the only other fae he had told his name since he'd become sensible of what that knowledge could incur. Now he was simply another piece in his mother's great plan.

Kael inhaled deeply and looked right into Jareth's eyes. "I understand your disbelief, but time grows short."

Jareth snorted rudely.

"Very well then," sighed the old man. "I will leave you no room for doubt and force your acceptance. Listen closely. I have looked into your future, Jareth, and I have seen that you are going to fall in love with a mortal girl, what they have been telling you is true."

It knocked the wind out of him.

It was so direct and brutal that his mind fought to find an excuse within it, a clause to escape that honesty. Each path of possibility closed itself off quickly, until soon there was no uncertainty left, only truth. What Kael was telling him, what they had all been telling him, was true. He was destined to fall in love with a mortal girl, just as they had warned. The truth was stranger than the excuses he'd found to cover it up. His mother's plot was actually something he had created, a defence against this bizarre future.

"That's… a lie," he choked out.

Kael placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "You know that's not possible. I'm sorry I had to tell you so directly but you were right about what's awaiting you inside, it is a witch-hunt, but not for the reasons you thought."

"How can I-"

"Calm down," advised Kael, tightening his grip. "Don't think about the cause of this; just think about the solution for now. You can't stay out here for long, they're expecting you inside… and me for that matter, but you need to think about what you're going to do next. The council think the very notion of a human connection is an abomination, fae and human blood mixed, they abhor the idea. If you persist with this future… it will mean exile."

Jareth felt like the world was gradually dropping out from beneath him. "Exile?" he echoed. "But I haven't even done anything yet, I haven't made any decisions. I'm not in love with anyone!"

"I know," agreed Kael, "I know all of this; which is why it can still be changed. They will press you to accept your current partner as a means to an end, to circumvent this unacceptable future. They mean to back you into a corner, which is why I say that although I do not think your mother has had the involvement you suppose, perhaps she has had some small hand in this. She will certainly gain what she wants of it." He shook Jareth's shoulder to ensure he was paying attention.

"I knew that if you were still doubtful about the prediction you would be pushed into something questionable while you were still recovering from the shock of it; this is why I came to warn you beforehand. You have a chance now, think of an alternative, make your own plans to sidestep the future, it's either that or embrace it."

Jareth still felt dazed, how could this be happening? Banishment? Love? Human partnership? Impossible.

Kael had given him an opportunity to save himself from this insane predicament, but he still couldn't accept the situation itself. Now he was to be faced with either an impossible future with a mortal girl, which everyone insisted was possible, or a forced union to Arianna.

Groping to make sense of it, Jareth glanced up at Kael. He had left his council seat inside just to deliver this warning, no doubt it had cost him something to do this much.

"You have risked much in coming to tell me this," said Jareth, still reeling with shock. "I… I thank you for your warning."

Kael nodded slowly, surreptitiously glancing around to ensure they were still alone. "I must go now, Jareth, but know that whatever decision you make, I will help you. You have my support."

Jareth blinked in confusion as Kael disappeared in front of him. What could he possibly mean by that, what decision? There was no decision to be made here, only one more trick to ensure his continued freedom. Still, he was touched by this act of devotion. Largely the fae were selfish beings, they could not seek help from others without being perceived as weak, not even from their own families.

A thousand things ran through his head as he slowly walked back to the hearing hall doorway. He would fall in love with a human, how? How could that be possible? Who was she? The face of the girl frozen in crystal came back to him. Her head lifted proudly, a courageous glint in her eye. In an unchanged future she would be his partner and he would know what it was to love her.

He shook his head to dislodge such ridiculous thoughts. That future would never be, nor would he pledge himself to Arianna. Perhaps there was a plot here concocted by her and his mother, perhaps it was only coincidence, he would still not grant them what they wished for. He would not give up his freedom so easily.

With a grim smile he opened the hearing chamber door, a plan falling neatly into place behind his lidded eyes.

The noise in the room stopped immediately, hundreds of eyes turning to him as one. As he made his way to the hearing podium in the centre of the room, his stride faltered briefly as his gaze fell on Kael.

The High Council seats were always arranged by prominence; Kael had always been seated close to the head of the most distinguished members. Now he was in the lowest seat, far lower than a man of his age or wisdom should ever sit without it being intended as an insult. Jareth knew now that this was the price he had paid. The sacrifice required for the time to warn his student had been his position within the council. Jareth ground his teeth angrily, it would not be forgotten.

Whispering amongst the spectators began as soon as he stepped up to the podium, taking his place before the seated council members. The highest tier member, Arianna's father, gave him an inadequate smile.

"Do you know why you've been called here?"

Jareth smiled dangerously. "Yes," he drawled, dusting imaginary dirt from his shoulder. "I hear there are some issues regarding my future interludes with a mortal."

His answer stopped the chairman cold; obviously he had expected to catch Jareth unaware, at least at first. Jareth watched the poisonous glare the chairman shot at Kael as his fake smile transformed into a glower.

There would be no rude revealing of his future here, he would not be put on the spot before the court and its entire people, and he had Kael to thank for that.

Arianna's father sneered. "The council forbid this union of fae and… human," he spat the last word. "If you persist on this current path then you will be-"

"Exiled, yes," Jareth interrupted, unperturbed. He gave the council a bored look. "Is that everything?"

Arianna's father was easily riled; he looked almost apoplectic as Jareth casually dismissed the punishment. "Exile is a more fearful punishment than you understand if you think to make light of it," he snarled. "The Labyrinth realm is a place of frugal pleasures. The native inhabitants, the goblins, will offer you no solace with their presence. They are stupid creatures, with little intelligence and no hierarchy to speak of. The Labyrinth is a dumping ground for all the powerful realms, a place for criminals. It is contaminated with the thieves and blasphemers of many races, stripped of magic and abandoned."

Jareth inclined his head lazily. "And this will be my punishment? To be magically disabled in a realm full of villains? Tragic." From the corner of his eye he caught sight of his mother and father sitting in one of the side rows and turned slightly to avoid the view. He didn't need the distraction, as much as he'd enjoy the opportunity to examine mother and uncover how much involvement she'd had in this hearing, there were more important matters at hand.

Arianna's father scowled. "No, your punishment is far worse than that. You will be bonded to the Labyrinth, unable to leave that realm and return here, only granted access to the mortals you so love. You can keep your magic, what better than an eternity of looking backwards and forwards at your own suffering and misery? Like you, your powers will be tied to the Labyrinth realm; any petty magic you use will require sacrifice and all wishes will have a price. The payment is a pittance, however, since it is a broken realm." The chairman looked pleased with his uninviting foretelling.

Jareth yawned openly. "Yes, it certainly doesn't sound like a tourist destination. Are we getting to the bit when you offer me an alternative yet?"

Sparks shot between himself and the High Council chairman. The angry fae's nostrils flared with outrage at Jareth's unanticipated demeanour.

"You think to mock me?" he growled. "Do you understand the disgrace you are accused of? We have seen this vile joining, a muddying of the fae line. Have you yourself seen your degradation as we have?"

Jareth paused, momentarily taken aback. He hadn't.

Theoretically by now everyone in the court must have seen it, anything to fight against tedium, and this was certainly news. Suddenly his plans were put aside; the great reveal of his cunning was temporarily on hold. For the first time since so many had insisted her seek his own future, he did.

It did not come easily at first, an immortal lifetime worth of adherence to unspoken rules was not so easily undone. When it did start it began in flashes of colour, and then pictures: the sky, a room full of gold, a child, a book.

He saw himself, laughing. Not bitterly as he was accustomed to, not with malice, but openly and full of joy. He saw her face again, that pretty dark haired girl. Expressive eyes drinking him in, the spark of her anger, the bloom of her lips into a smile. Sometimes she was laughing too, sometimes she looked furious. He saw them dancing together, arguing, kissing; all in brief flashes which took his breath away.

At one point he could smell her, a faint trace of sunshine and wildflowers. He heard her whisper his name, but not with the intent to order something of him, like a prayer, as if it was a precious gift simply to speak it. Then he could feel her in his arms, her hand coming up to nestle against the back of his neck, she was a fragile creature. There was a feeling that was more than all that though, not just touch, but something other. It made his chest ache, it was powerful and wonderful and terrifying all at once, and completely unknown. He knew in that moment that this sense of other was the thing that the council had feared more than anything.

Gradually, he pulled back, and it was like tearing himself in half. He knew that he would never be able to look again. If he did he had no confidence that he would be able to pull himself away a second time. As he came back to himself, his dark haired beauty slipping from him with that feeling of otherness, once again he stood in the hearing chamber before the council. He was breathing heavily as he leaned on the podium, and everything was different.

Arianna's father, who had not noticed his inattention, had continued on with the trial.

"-If you will form a union within the community then this punishment can be overcome. I understand that there is already a spoken agreement between you and one of the young ladies in the court-"

Arianna.

His eyes did not seek her out, however. Instead he looked to the lowly position Kael had been relegated to. He was the wisest man he had ever known, and a look of understanding passed between them.

He was still shaken by his encounter, overcome with the fading feeling of all that he had just experienced in a few heart beats. That same heart thundered in his chest as blood pounded loudly in his ears.

He looked at the sea of court faces before him. None of them had looked into his future and seen what he had. His parents sat to one side, their faces masks of indifference like those surrounding them. He could draw no clue from his mother's countenance as to whether she had played some part in today's events, but he remembered how she had been afraid.

He felt sorry for her in that moment. That something so alien had brushed against her mind and left her trembling despite the fact that she was such a strong woman.

All he had felt was exhilaration, his body tight with the excitement of this new thing, this unknown element which was for him alone. That soft, delicate girl who was like a fire: equally warmth and scolding at once.

He realised then that he had never truly wanted for anything in his life, everything had been provided for him before he realised there was a lack. But he knew that he wanted her, that dark haired girl who was like fire. He wanted the feeling that had been a part of her, that otherness, and he knew he would do anything to have it.

Nothing they could say would stop him.

"-perhaps if my daughter were to say a few words," droned Arianna's father. He was still unaware that the whole world had just changed, that this realm was now too small to contain Jareth. This life would now never be enough.

"That's not necessary," croaked Jareth, interrupting the man.

The High Council exchanged looks, clearly pleased that he had seen sense so quickly. Only Kael remained unmoved.

Jareth smiled at them, knowing they would never understand. "I choose exile."

The roar of voices in the hearing room was tremendous: outrage, shock, fear, disbelief. The council themselves were all so flabbergasted they simply stared at him, mouths hanging open. The court spectators yelled, gasped and spoke all at once. The chaos was enormous; everyone was rocked by the weight of his decision, unable to believe he was serious, waiting for a punch line. Everyone but a single fae, Kael.

"So you choose the human girl?" he asked quietly.

Jareth knew that he was the only one who had seen and properly understood his future, why that otherness was so important. "She is mine," he said. "By right of destiny and my future, I will not give her up."

He thought he could hear shrieking, Arianna perhaps, or his mother, it didn't matter.

The council chairman glared at him with open hostility, finally finding his voice. "You dare to go against us?" he blustered. "To give up your own bloodlines, to-"

Jareth held up his hand for silence and received it. The room fell into a shocked awe at his motion; he too was now as alien to them as that otherness. He was no longer like them, and he no longer had a place here.

"I am not I fae anymore," he shouted, feeling the restrictions of his life finally fall away. "I give up that heritage, that blood. From today forth I will become a villain, a lord of villains. The most powerful of them all if what you say is correct. I will take my rightful place in the Labyrinth realm; I will be the master of that land. I will lead criminals and outcasts, those who have been disposed of by their bitter homes, and I will take any with me who choose to make that their future." He smiled at his enamoured audience, sharp teeth catching the light. "There is more to forever than the shackles of court and dangerous whispers. Unlike you I will never be bored again; I will never fear the tedium of eternity." He took one last look at a court filled with faces lacking passion, and remembered that precious human girl who was full of life. "In a land filled with goblins, I will become a Goblin King."